The cold weather does not bother RJ, he loves running around in the fresh snow.
However, these cold temperatures can be hard on horses, so take care to make sure they have plenty of fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration. Horses tolerate cold better than heat, however be sure they are warm under blankets if their natural coats have not grown in to keep them warm.
Ruben has a unique way with all equines, horses, donkeys, mules and even zebras. He has a talent to feel the animal and “read” his mind. This is an innate ability which makes everything Ruben does around horses look easy but care should be taken to consider safety the number one priority at all times. And remember, each horse is an individual so if one system is not working try another.
Talented 7 year old gelding, 16.1, kind easy to ride, also loves to jump, excellent event prospect or pony club horse. Looking for a new partner to win many ribbons with.
When you are tense, let me teach you to relax.
When you are short tempered, let me teach you to be patient.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to see.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be thoughtful.
When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene.
When you feel superior, let me teach you to be respectful.
When you are self absorbed, let me teach you to think of greater things.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you humility.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion.
When you are tired, let me carry the load.
When you need to learn, let me teach you.
After all, I am your horse.
****And now, the REAL story……..****
(by Mary Green)
When you are tense, let me teach you that there are lions in the woods, and we need to leave NOW.
When you are short tempered, let me teach you how to slog around the pasture for an hour before you can catch me.
When you are shortsighted, let me teach you to figure out where, exactly, in 40 acres I am hiding.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you that herbivore’s kick MUCH faster than omnivores.
When you are angry, let me teach you how well I can stand on my hind feet, because I don’t FEEL like cantering on my right lead today, that’s why.
When you feel superior, let me teach you that, mostly, you are the maid service.
When you are self-absorbed, let me teach you to PAY ATTENTION. I TOLD you about those lions in the woods.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you what 1200 lbs of YAHOO-let’s-go suitably inspired event horse can do.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion. Let’s do lunch. Also, breakfast and dinner.
When you are tired, let me remind you of the 600 lbs of grain that needs to be unloaded.
When you are feeling financially secure, let me teach you the meaning of “Veterinary Services, additional”.
Is your horse telling you something? One of the most important things for any horse owner to know is how to read his horse. Each horse is an individual and will express himself differently. Although there is the common language the horse speaks, there are always exceptions with each individual.Carrot stetches are very important to assess the suppleness and mood of your horse. Here you see this mare reaching around in response to a massage on her belly, her head is lowered so she is calm and her ears are soft telling us she is receptive to hearing what her friend has to say.Many people spend hours observing horse behaviour in an effort to understand the dynamic between horses themselves and horses and humans. As an owner it is critical to spend time on the ground with your horse as much as in the saddle.
This is an excellent book by Bill Dorrance and Leslie Desmond. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning how horses think and how to communicate with them in a productive way. A horse’s self preservation instinct in natural and my grandfather always said it was almost impossible to teach someone feel. Each horse is an individual and reacts to peoples energy, he said “beware of anyone who makes a generous kind horse angry”. Horses read people just as people read horses.Bill says “There is always a rightful place for a horse to exercise his concern for self-preservation. It is important to remember that this is the horse’s right. When it’s up to the horse, he won’t do what isn’t natural to him anyway, and of course, self-preserving actions are right at the top of the list of things that are natural to him.”Self preservation is his main job. And it’s your job to learn how to handle those situations when they come up, and to get back that better feel you had going with the horse before his instincts caused him to stop feeling of you. That way you can finish the other job you had to do, whatever it was, and when you put the horse up you’d both be feeling good again. And there’d be no need to mentiona anything that wasn’t the best about that horse.”
This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland, huge snowflakes fell in thick clouds covering everything in a blanket of snow. The horses love playing in the drifts and look beautiful in the white fields.
Recently one of our favorite horses travelled across the nation to move to Hidden Hills, California. Here she is in her new home with Alex, her new best friend.
With a change in environment, different food and a new time change, horses take some time to adjust. Beauty is not exception and upon arrival showed signs of ulcers. If there are any signs of ulcers they can easily be dealt with. I called Don Kapper, one of the top Equine Nutritionists has developed a product Ulcers. This is what he writes:
The Ulcer Formula must come into “contact” with the lesion to work, it is best fed at least 4 times/day for the first two weeks. After that, you can feed the recommended amount, according to her size, twice a day with her regular feed. To order Ulcer Formula and have it delivered please call “toll free” number: 877-235-2171, any questions about Equine Nutrition can be sent directly to Don at:dkapper@prognutrition.com
Also if there are any signs of hives it is important to have the vet take a blood profile to determine what is causing the irritation. This is very simple and will confirm what the allergies are from. A simple injection of steroids will eliminate the bumps in the short term, however if they resurface it is important to solve the problem from the inside.
Dunits Kickin Ace is a very special horse, he is a world champion reining horse from Medalho do Ouro Farm in Sao Roque Brasil. My good friend Ruben Morales works with this farm in South America. No matter what disipline you ride, the key to successful riding is the communication between rider and horse. Here is a perfect example of clear communication, notice the rider has no bridle! He is riding with his body which is what we should all aspire to.